Most of us grew up on three meals a day. But if three is good, five is better. Eating smaller meals more frequently gives your digestive system the opportunity to optimally absorb the nutrients to fuel your body. When you eat smaller portions 4-5 times a day, you're delivering a steady stream of blood sugar, nutrients and energy to your body throughout the day.

Eating this way is much less taxing on the digestive and metabolic systems and also reduces your risk of heart disease. And take this into consideration: Eating throughout the day prevents you from becoming famished and overeating at your next meal.